Repetitive Stress Injuries in Columbia
Work-related injuries are not always traceable to a specific or sudden incident. Injuries in the workplace often occur over time due to repetitive, strenuous movements, and are known as repetitive stress injuries. Missourians suffering from repetitive stress injuries face a daunting task navigating their claim through the workers’ compensation legal process. Employers routinely doubt that an employee’s repetitive stress injury occurred within the course and scope of the employee’s workplace duties, and insurance companies are quick to deny workers’ compensation claims. If your repetitive stress injury claim has been denied by a Columbia employer’s insurance company, an experienced lawyer can work tirelessly to provide representation tailored to the specific needs of your workers’ compensation claim.
What Qualifies as a Repetitive Stress Injury?
A repetitive stress injury can occur in any workplace setting. Any work-related activity involving repetitive movements over time can result in a stress injury. Even menial tasks, such as typing on a computer or carrying a tray at a restaurant, can result in a stress injury. Here are some of the most common repetitive stress injuries experienced in the workplace:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tendonitis
- Cervical radiculopathy (compression of discs in the neck)
- Tennis elbow
- Hand/finger injuries
These injuries can be caused by activities such as, but not limited to:
- Working with tools
- Working on an assembly line
- Using a computer
- Serving tables
- Swiping items in a checkout line
These types of injuries carry symptoms that may be harder to recognize than other workplace injuries. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Tenderness/aches
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Loss of strength
- Loss of coordination
- Reduced range of motion and/or flexibility
If you are experiencing these symptoms and believe they are related to your job, your employer should be notified immediately. A skilled attorney in Columbia could help victims determine if their injuries are related to repetitive stress.
What If I Am Suffering From an On-The-Job Repetitive Stress Injury?
If you believe you are suffering from a repetitive stress injury experienced at work, the first step is to seek necessary treatment. Notify your employer of the injury immediately. Failure to notify your employer could result in your claim being denied. Furthermore, by law, your employer’s insurance company has the power to dictate where injured or ill workers may receive medical treatment. Failure to comply with the insurance company’s mandates could result in a denial of your potential claim. A knowledgeable lawyer in Columbia could help an injured party understand factors that could lead to the denial of their repetitive stress injury claim.
Building a Successful Repetitive Stress Injury Claim in Columbia
A hardworking attorney can help guide your Workers’ Compensation claim through a process rife with complicated deadlines and procedures. It is all too easy to have a repetitive stress injury claim in Columbia dismissed due to a missed deadline or misunderstood procedure; a lawyer could help you avoid these costly mistakes. More importantly, however, a skilled attorney can use his knowledge to recognize important, otherwise easily-overlooked details specific your case.
It is imperative to be wary of the fact that insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. Moreover, insurance companies have experienced teams waiting to reject your claim. You do not want to face them alone! Contact an experienced lawyer in Columbia today.